The outgoing government, under the leadership of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has enacted crucial regulations aimed at protecting two of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures: the whale shark and the sea turtle.
President Solih officially listed whale sharks as a protected species under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives. This decision, in line with cabinet recommendations made on Tuesday, reflects the Maldives’ commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity and addressing the urgent need for whale shark conservation. As the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified these gentle giants as endangered since July 2016, the Maldivian government acknowledged the inadequacy of existing protections under the Fisheries Act and enacted more robust measures.
The legislative update establishes the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act as the foundation for the conservation and management of whale sharks. By moving away from the fisheries-centric approach, the new framework concentrates on preserving the natural habitat of these creatures, ensuring their well-being, and acknowledging the significant environmental, social, and economic benefits of their existence.
Simultaneously, the Environment Ministry has instituted new regulations that seek to minimise human impact on sea turtles, a species whose survival is often jeopardised by close interaction with humans.
The recent amendments mandate a six-foot distance between humans and these marine creatures, with the aim of creating a safe and respectful environment for both parties. This directive provides clear guidelines for swimmers and divers on how to conduct themselves in the presence of sea turtles, prohibiting disruptive behaviours such as swimming directly above or chasing after these creatures, and strictly forbidding the feeding of turtles in their natural habitat.
The new rules set a precedent for responsible wildlife tourism and interactions, demonstrating a balance between enjoying the natural world and preserving it for future generations.